SELF-INCOMPATIBILITY is believed to be a common attribute among the most of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L. ) cultivars. This research was conducted during 2015 and 2016 growing seasons to explore the selfcompatibility of 22 apricot genotypes (18 Iranian and four European) based on the field and microscopic examinations. Final fruit set following self-pollination in the field ranged from 1. 16% in ‘ Aybatan’ to 62. 0% in ‘ San Castrese’ cultivars which showed significant differences among evaluated apricots. The results revealed self-compatibility in the new Iranian promising apricot hybrid, ‘ AD731’ , as well as reconfirmed self-compatibility in the European cultivars; ‘ Canino’ , ‘ San Castrese’ , ‘ Palumella’ and ‘ Cafona’ . In all cases, fluorescence microscopy information supported the self-compatibility results obtained from the field, when at least one pollen tube entered the ovary by 96 hours after the controlled pollination. In addition, all other 17 apricot genotypes showed SELF-INCOMPATIBILITY feature. The hybrid ‘ AD731’ showed self-compatibility attribute, therefore further research on this genotype will warrant its future use in apricot breeding programs as well as to be considered as promising genotype for being released as a new cultivar.

Almond (Prunus dulcis L.) is one of the most important nut crops in Iran. Most almond cultivars and genotypes are self-incompatible. However, research on S-alleles indicates that it is very efficient in cultivar selection. Selfincompatibility in almond is gametophytic and controlled by a single S-locus with multiple codominant alleles. In this study, compatibility relationships among cultivars, “Tuono”, “Shokofeh”, “Sahand” and five improved genotypes “A1.16”, “A9.7”, “A8.39”, “A10.11” and “A230, ” was investigated by the PCR of S-alleles. Degenerate primers (PaConsI-F, EMPC1consRD, EM-PC2consFD, and EM-PC3consRD) were used for amplification of S-alleles. Results showed that only “A10.11” and “A8.39” were completely cross-incompatible, but all of the other studied cultivars and genotypes were crosscompatible. Furthermore, cultivar “Tuono” and genotype “A1.16” had a self-fertility allele.

Functional genomics has provided new opportunities to understand the fundamental aspects of biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. In this study, a comparative analysis on EST libraries of wheat and its wild relatives conducted to discover novel genes and transcriptional factors involved in drought tolerance. EST analysis revealed a significant increase in expression level of S-lik RNase in drought condition. Further analysis by qPCR indicated over-expression of this gene in anther of tolerant cultivars. RNases participate in vital cellular functions such as DNA replication, transcription, splicing, and control of translation. T2 family RNases have been implicated in nutrition, phosphate remobilization, selfincompatibility, senescence, and defense against pathogens. This is the first report on the effect of S-lik RNase at drought stress response in wheat and significant up regulation of this gene in wheat wild relative (Aegilops tauschii) and that emphasize on finding new effective genes from wild relative plants for stress tolerance.

Despite the profusion of flowers that develop on olive trees, only a few set fruit during the growing season and only about 1-2% of the fruit remains on the trees at maturity. Therefore, to maximize fruit set and yield, it is important for growers to understand the cross-compatibility between cultivars when planning to establish an olive orchard. This study was carried out in Shiraz, Fars Province, in 2005 and 2006 to identify the best pollinizers for Zard, Roghani, Fishomi and Shiraz olive cultivars. Flowers were pollinated using pollen from cultivars Dezfoul, Roghani, Zard, Shengeh, Shiraz, Fishomi and Fishomi-Roudbar and/or the flowers were self-pollinated or openpollinated. Initial and final fruit set, fruit yield and SELF-INCOMPATIBILITY were assessed. Results showed that cultivars Zard and Fishomi are self-compatible, whereas Roghani and Shiraz are relatively self-incompatible (selfincompatibility index=0.47 and 0.34, respectively). Cultivars Fishomi-Roudbar and Dezfoul were identified as suitable pollinizers for Roghani and Shiraz, respectively.

SELF-INCOMPATIBILITY in almond andPrunus species is an important trait that prevents self-fertilization. Selfincompatibility in almond is controlled game tophytically by the multiallelic S-locus. Present study was done in order to identification and preliminary selection of self-compatible progenies resulted from controlled crosses in almond using specific primer SfF/SfR. Some important morphological traits of parental crosses were evaluated using almond descriptor. Also, progenies (F1) of five crosses inculding; A (Tuono × 101 Genotype), B (Supernova × 101 Genotype), C (Genco × Shahrood 21), D (Tuono × Shahrood 12) and E (Tuono × shahrood 17) were tested using PCR in order to DNA amplification and self-compatibility evaluation. The result of PCR method found that using SfF/SfR pair primer, self-compatible progenies showed 449 bp bands, while this band not observed in self-incompatible progenies. In addition, all self- incompatible progenies appeared no S1 allele at any condition. According to Chi-square test, ratios of self-compatible to self-incompatible progenies were to Mendelian principles. It can be suggested that PCR method of this research has high potential in order to distinguish self-compatible and incompatible genotypes.